Arsenal are in pole position to sign in-demand Nice midfielder Jean-Michael Seri ahead of Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool, according to The Mirror.

Ivory Coast ace Seri is available for £35m this summer thanks to a release clause in the 26-year-old's contract and the Gunners are in a strong position to bag Seri due to his agent's strong relationship with new head of football relations Raul Sanllehi, according to L'Equipe.

Sanllehi was extremely close to luring Seri to Barcelona last summer, when he was a member of the board at the Nou Camp, but no deal was done in the end as the Catalans signed former Spurs man Paulinho instead.

Spaniard Sanllehi left the La Liga giants after 14 years in November to move to north London as part of Arsenal's rebuild behind the scenes in anticipation of Arsene Wenger's departure.

And the new structure could already pay dividends for the Gunners as Sanllehi looks to lure Seri to the Emirates.

City have been the favourites among Premier League clubs to sign Seri this summer after his representative held meetings with the club but Sanllehi's influence could turn things around for Arsenal.

Chelsea also made contact regarding a potential move but current uncertainty around who will be their manager next season, with Antonio Conte on the cusp of departing Stamford Bridge, will put them behind in the hunt.